Apples free 5GB iCloud storage gets full quicklywhen you back up photos and documents from your iPhone or Mac.

I also describe how to buy additional iCloud space if youre frequently hitting the storage limit.

When you decide to delete data from iCloud, it’s important to understand what happens next.

Screenshot of iCloud settings on iOS

You can inspect a graph with available iCloud storage here.

Deleting files removes them from the cloud server and synched devices.

Thats whyI included instructions on how to back up important files before removal.

Keep reading to learn all about it.

Screenshot of iCloud settings on iOS

You can inspect a graph with available iCloud storage here.

You receive only 5GB of free storage and have to upgrade to a paid subscription to get more.

However,the free iCloud storage can be enough if you manage your data properly.

Photos, message attachments, and backup files occupy the most space.

Screenshot of iCloud settings on iOS

Luckily, purchases made through the Apple ecosystem arent counted towards iCloud storage.

Apple continues to store these purchases on its servers, providing access without using your iCloud quota.

2.select yourApple IDand tapiCloud.

Screenshot of Recommended for You tab on iPad

ClickManage Account Storage(orManage Storage) to inspect which apps use the most iCloud storage.

Look for recommendations.Under theManage Storagesection, you should seeRecommended For You.

These are personalized suggestions for optimizing your iCloud storage.

Screenshot of the iCloud settings on a MacBook

2.choose your name (Apple ID) in the left-hand menu.Then, tapiCloud.

3.ClickManageto inspect your storage.The bar displays information about your iCloud usage.

Checking iCloud Storage on Windows PC

InstalliCloud for Windowsappto manage your storage on a PC.

Screenshot of the iCloud storage chart

The app can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store or directly from Apple’s website.

Once installed, launch the app from theStartmenu and sign in with your Apple ID.

The storage bar at the bottom of the app shows your iCloud storage usage.

Screenshot of the Photos app on iPhone

For a detailed breakdown, clickStoragenext to the bar.

This provides a detailed analysis of storage usage by different apps and services.

How to Delete iCloud Storage

Your Cloud storage may be clogged with different data.

Screenshot of deleting iCloud files using Finder

This section explains how to delete unnecessary files on your iPad, iPhone, MacBook, or PC.

This means if you delete a photo or video from your rig, it also gets removed from iCloud.

This action helps in clearing up storage space both on your gear and in your iCloud account.

Screenshot of iCloud backup files on iPad settings

2.TapLibraryat the bottom of the screen.

3.ClickAll Photosto view every stored photo and video.

4.Manually select items, tap theDeletebutton, and clickDelete Phototo confirm.

Screenshots of Mail apps with filtering messages

It’s also wise to trim videos to keep only the parts you really want.

These simple steps will help you manage storage effectively, keeping your photo library organized and free of clutter.

Another way to manage your iCloud space effectively is through your iPhone’s prefs open theSettingsapp and navigate toPhotos.

Screenshot of Voice Memos deletion on iPhone

1.Go to theFilesapp on iPhone and iPad,Finderon Mac, or iCloud app for PC.

You may also access iCloud Drive via a web surfing app by signing into icloud.com.

2.Navigate to theiCloud Drivefolder to see your stored files.

Screenshot of downloading iCloud files

3.go for the files or folders you wish to delete.

On iOS devices, you’ll tap theDeletebutton.

On Mac, you move the selected items to the Bin.

Picture of iCloud+ upgrade section in iOS Settings

But did you know these backups can eat up your storage space?

Sometimes,you might have backups from old devices that you don’t really need anymore.

Clearing these out can free up some valuable iCloud space for you.

Screenshot of buying more iCloud storage

1.InSettings(System controls), tap your Apple ID and clickiCloud.

2.Go toManage Account Storage(Manage StorageorManage) and selectBackups.

This will show a list of all the gear backups currently stored in iCloud.

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3.opt for backup you wish to delete.

TapDelete Backup(Delete) and clickTurn Off & Deleteto remove the backup file.

1.Go to yourMailapp or sign in to iCloud on the website.

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2.Swipe leftor select a message to delete individual messages and attachments.

3.To delete only attachments, selectFitered byat the bottom left of the screen and selectOnly Mail with Attachments.

However, this option may only be available on iPads.

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You have the flexibility to delete individual messages, multiple attachments, or even whole conversations.

1.Access a conversation inMessagesby tapping the contact’s name on iOS or theInfo buttonon Mac.

TapSee Allor a similar option to view all the media attachments.

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3.TapSelectand check all media you want to erase.

This step allows you to selectively remove only certain attachments without deleting the entire conversation.

4.After selecting the media, tapDeleteto confirm the removal.

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This action will delete the selected media from the conversation and iCloud storage.

On a Mac, right-click (or control-click) on the conversation and chooseDelete.

Creating a backup of any important files before deleting them is a good practice.

Screenshot of iCloud settings on iOS

This way, you’ll have everything you need, just in case.

Open iCloud Driveon a Mac or PC or visit icloud.com.

For example, Google Drive offers 15GB of free storage.

Screenshot of Recommended for You tab on iPad

This simple change significantly reduces the chance of unwanted eyes viewing your personal content.

The plans are subscription-based and won’t break the bank.

For example, you could get 50GB of space for less than $1 a month.

Screenshot of the iCloud settings on a MacBook

On iPhones and iPads

1.

Go toSettingson your iPhone or iPad.2.

Tap on Apple ID and hitiCloudto see your account details.3.

Screenshot of the iCloud storage chart

ClickChange Store Plan(it can also be labeledBuy More StorageorManage Your Plan).

  1. pick the plan that suits your needsand follow the on-screen instructions to complete the purchase.

On Macs

1.Go toSystem options(System Preferences).2.SelectAppleID and clickiCloud.3.Scroll down and tapUpgrade to iCloud+.

Screenshot of the Photos app on iPhone

Alternatively, clickManageand navigate to the tab calledChange Storage Plan(Buy More Storage).

4.Select a suitable subscription plan.5.put in your Apple ID password to proceed.

Its possible to add funds to your Apple account with gift cards.

Screenshot of deleting iCloud files using Finder

Why cant I delete iCloud storage data?

In some apps likePhotosandMail, deleted items are moved to aRecently DeletedorTrashfolder.

These items continue to occupy space until these folders are emptied.

Screenshot of iCloud backup files on iPad settings

Can I clear iCloud storage without losing important data?

Be selective about what you back up.

It’s not necessary to back up everything just focus on the files that are important or irreplaceable.

Screenshots of Mail apps with filtering messages

How can I delete photos from iCloud storage but not iPhone?

Disable theSync this iPhonein your devices controls.Go to the iCloud controls taband tapPhotosto deactivate the synchronization.

These photos will remain on your iPhone since you’ve disabled syncing.

Screenshot of Voice Memos deletion on iPhone

What free services can I use to store my iCloud data?

Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive can store your iCloud data.These services offer paid and free plans.

For instance,you’re free to back up 15GB of files to Google Drive for free.

Screenshot of downloading iCloud files

Can iCloud storage be emptied?

Ensure you have the necessary backups before proceeding.

How do I cancel my iCloud storage?

Picture of iCloud+ upgrade section in iOS Settings

Here, you’re able to downgrade to a free plan.

Why is my iCloud storage full after deleting everything?

you’re gonna wanna wait for the deletion to syncwith the Apple servers.

Screenshot of buying more iCloud storage

In addition, you shouldempty theTrashand theRecently Deletedfoldersthat keep the removed files for up to 30 days.

How can I remove temporary and junk files on my Mac?

To remove temporary and junk files on your Mac, follow the steps detailed below.

Just be sure to back up important data to a hard drive or another free cloud storage beforehand.

Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!

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